Rugby league in the Cook Islands
| Rugby league in the Cook Islands | |
|---|---|
| Country | Cook Islands |
| National team(s) | Cook Islands |
| First played | 1980 |
Rugby league is the most popular[1] team sport played in the Cook Islands. Rugby league is recognised as the national sport of the country.
Popularity[]
History[]
Officially the club rugby league competition commenced 1980. The first international match was played against Niue at the 1986 Pacific Cup which was hosted in Rarotonga and also included teams from Samoa, Tonga, NZ Maori and Tokelau. In the mid 1990s rugby league in the Cook Islands received significant funding through the SuperLeague organisation.[citation needed] Traditionally, much of the rugby league played by Cook Islanders has been in Australia and New Zealand where there are strong Cook Island populations.[citation needed]
In more recent times, Cook Islands rugby league has received a major boost through the involvement of former professional rugby league players Kevin Iro and Matt Rua - both native Cook Islanders - in the form of selector and defensive coach for the national side.[2] Both players represented New Zealand internationally and played many NRL games.
Rugby league is the national sport and the most popular sport in the Cook Islands.
Staff[]
- President, Cook Islands Rugby League: Charles Carlson
- Selectors: Kevin Iro, Charles Carlson, Ina Konito and No'ora Samuela
- RLIF Representative: Kevin Iro
- Head Coach: Tony Iro
- Defensive Coach: Matt Rua
- Attacking Coach: Kevin Iro
Current players of Cook Islands descent[]
NRL
- Alex Glenn
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Jordan Rapana
- Josh Papalii
- Joseph Tapine
- Dylan Napa
- Karmichael Hunt
- Sione Katoa
- Brandon Smith
- Valentine Holmes
- Esan Marsters
- Francis Molo
- Marata Niukore
- Troy Dargan
- Steven Marsters
- Joseph Manu
- James Tamou
Notable players[]
 | This article contains embedded lists that may be poorly defined, unverified or indiscriminate. (February 2017) |
- Kevin Iro
- Adam Watene
- Matt Rua
- John Whittaker
- Tiri Toa
- Meti Noovao
- Riki Cowan
- Tony Iro
- Karmichael Hunt
- Denvour Johnston
- Ali Davys
- Aaron Cannings
- Karl Temata
- Ben Vaeau
- George Tuakura
- Frank Watene
- Kane Epati
- Leroy Joe
- Tyrone Pau
Competition[]
 | This article needs to be updated. (February 2017) |
The domestic Cook Islands rugby league competition begins in early February on a yearly basis. The Tournament is arguably the biggest sporting competition in the Cook Islands with hundreds attending games on the Islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Grand Final weekend builds the biggest hype among supporters of every team ranging from its junior levels, reserve grade and the main A grade (Premier level).
Notable Local Cook Islands Players
Turori Matutu | Clive Nicholas | Conrad Piri | Terry Piri | Andre Iro | Jean Pierre Rongokea | Mau George | Teu Paerau | Alex Roa | Leo Roa | David Paulo | James Kora | Stephen Willis | David Napa | Hugh Henry | Jaqcue Henry | Messine Messine | Teokotai Tuaivi | Ozwald Tunupopo | Tai Joseph | Lui Nicholas | Josh Caffrey | Andrew Tereinga Henry | Jason Potoru
Over the years there has been many notable superstars who has competed in this tournament from outside the country.
NOTABLE FOREIGN PLAYERS
Peniasi Dakuwaqa | Mafu Kalas | Sione Lauaki Towari Kenake | Martin Yami | Mel Issac | Tua Ravula | Kelepi Gabby Komaisavou | Lai Rogorogoivalu | Jovilisi Naqitawa | Feleti Iona | Tevita Niusama | John Penu | Sailosi Nagi | Duane Gukisuva | Stanley Olo | Joe Vedaukula | Ratu Saurara
Teams[]
- Titikaveka Bulldogs
- Tupapa Panthers
- Avatiu Eels
- Takuvaine Warriors
- Arorangi Bears
- Aitutaki Sharks (Premier Squad Only)
- Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
Winners[]
- 1994 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 1995 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 1996 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 1997 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 1998 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 1999 Avatiu Eels
- 2000
- 2001 Titikaveka Bulldogs
- 2002 Titikaveka Bulldogs
- 2003 Arorangi Bears
- 2004 Avatiu Eels
- 2005 Tupapa Panthers
- 2006 Avatiu Eels
- 2007 Avatiu Eels
- 2008 Tupapa Panthers
- 2009 Tupapa Panthers
- 2010 Avatiu Eels
- 2011 Avatiu Eels
- 2012 Titikaveka Bulldogs
- 2013
- 2014 - Tupapa Panthers
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017 - Titivakeva Bulldogs
- 2018 - Tupapa Panthers
- 2019 - Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
- 2020 - (Season Suspended due to COVID)
- 2021 - Tupapa Panthers
Number of Premiership Championships
Aitutaki Sharks | 0
Arorangi Bears | 1
Avatiu Eels | 6
Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles | 6
Takuvaine Warriors | 0
Titikaveka Bulldogs | 4
Tupapa Panthers | 6
Note these aren't accurate numbers as some years of the comp has not been recorded into the history books unfortunately.
The National Team[]
Other representative sides[]
In 2005 the Cook Islands Rugby League Avaiki XIII Tri Series was played between three Cook Island sides (Australian Cook Island Style, NZ Cooks and a Resident XIII). The winners of the series were the Australian Cook Islands Style team. This was used to select the national side that drew a three match series with the New Zealand Māori
Results[]
NZ Cooks v Resident XIII, 25 November 2005
Australian Cook Island Style 26 NZ Cooks 14
Australian Cook Island Style 24 Residents XIII 18, 18 November 2005 changed
References[]
- Rugby league in the Cook Islands